Chasing the goose in Lake Linden

Fun run, family events on tap

September 7, 2012

LAKE LINDEN - To create more awareness about the Lake Linden Recreational Area, the fourth annual Wild Goose Chase will be held Saturday and families are invited to attend.

Rick Vendlinski, who is co-organizing the event, said the 5k and 10k kicks off at 9 a.m. when his brother, dressed as a goose, will begin the race.

"If you can catch him, you get your money back," he said. "You've got to be a pretty fast 10k runner to catch him."

The day features a few different divisions, including running divisions. There is walking or running divisions for the 5k. The 5k also has at "Stroller Derby" for those who want to push a stroller.

"There's also a team event that we call 'Run as a Flock' and that one has four people per team who have to tie themselves together with rope," he said.

The event features loads of fun, prizes and exercise, Vendlinski said, and interested participants can register online until Friday evening. Registration will also be held before the race Saturday morning but at a slightly higher cost. Pre-registration and packet pick-up will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Aspirus Keweenaw walk-in clinic in Lake Linden. Registration will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. the day of the races. The "goose" will be released at 9:10 and the 10k run will commence at 9:15 a.m. The 5k walk and "Stroller Derby" will begin at 9 a.m. and the 5k run and "Run as a Flock" will start at 9:20. A Children's Fun Run will be held at 10:30 followed by an awards ceremony at 10:45.

A disc golf tournament will commence at 1 p.m. The Lake Linden Farmer's Market will be taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendlinski said the Wild Goose Chase was created to bring more awareness to the Lake Linden Recreation Area and promote activities in the park. The name was inspired by the geese who frequent the park.

"It follows the theme of some of the other races around here, like the deer chase and bear chase," he said.

The course is flat but is also narrow in certain areas. Racers are asked to run along the right side of the path so racers coming up from behind can pass on the left. The course also takes runners downtown and the parking lane will be blocked off for racers to use. Traffic will still be allowed down the roads.

For the 5k participants, there is an aid station on the course which will have water and Gatorade available, located at the 2-mile mark. The aid station will be available for 10k runners who pass by at miles 2 and 5. There will be an additional fluid station for 10k participants located right by the start of the race that runners can utilize as they begin their second lap at mile 3, he said. Parking will be available near the campground.

The event is family-friendly, which is important, Vendlinski said.

"It's great for beginners and it's great for families," he said.

For more information or to register, visit lakelindenwildgoosechase.com.